8 Train Vacations That Will Transport You in More Ways Than One

From Black-Tie Glamour to Astounding Scenery

They say the journey is just as important as the destination, and nowhere is this truer than aboard a train. There is a timeless romance about taking a train voyage cross-country.

Maybe it’s because rails can carve through landscapes where no roads go, maybe it’s seeing endless miles of scenery roll past, or maybe it’s the elegance of train stations and luxurious interiors of the carriages themselves.

Whatever it is, there is a mystique about these train vacations that will seduce you and make you wish you’ll never arrive at the final stop.

The TranzAlpine Rail

Running between Greymouth and Christchurch, the TranzAlpine rail covers some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand’s South Island. Traversing the Southern Alps and miles of beech forest, the TranzAlpine is famous for its views of snowy peaks and glacier-fed rivers.

The trains themselves have been designed to maximize the experience, with large panoramic windows and comfortable reclining seats. Open-air viewing decks are the ideal spot to stretch your legs, letting you breathe in the fresh mountain air as you rush past pristine landscapes. At a touch under five hours, the TranzAlpine is a great day trip.

The Amur Bridge carries the Trans-Siberian Railway across the Amur River near the city of Khabarovsk in Russia.Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian railway stretches across Russia and into places as distant as China, Mongolia and North Korea. A steel ribbon unfurling across the endless steppe, past the world’s largest freshwater lake, and across the Urals, the Trans-Siberian is undoubtedly one of the greatest rail vacations in the world.

The journey from Moscow to Vladivostok covers more than 6,000 miles and zips through no less than eight time zones. The cities you’ll visit and sights you’ll see make this the perfect vacation for adventurous couples. You’ll need a week to complete the trip, which will give you a sense of just how vast the world’s largest country really is.

The Glacier Express is the best way to experience the Swiss Alps. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Glacier Express

Connecting the Swiss mountain resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt, the Glacier Express glides through jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. From your seat you will have panoramic views of gorges and mountain passes as the train swoops over viaducts and through spiral tunnels. For the full eight hours you will be swept along on a visual and thrilling ride.

Here’s a tip: catch the train in springtime to see a blissful combination of green valleys and snowy peaks.

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Check your airline's prices for additional and overweight baggage. It is sometimes cheaper to take an extra bag than pay overage fees if your luggage is too heavy.

- Sarah R., Canada

Don’t eat in tourist areas or places that have a waiter outside to bring people in. Eat where the locals eat.

- Zainab L., United Kingdom

Never bring new shoes! Bring two pairs of shoes to allow you to rotate and avoid any discomfort to your feet.

- Mona W., Belize

Do your research; learn about where you’re going from those who have been there. You’ll learn lots more along the way.

- Laura S., United States

When you land in Geneva make sure to pick up your free transport ticket in the luggage collection area, from the machine. It gives you 80 minutes worth of travel from arrival, until you get to your hotel or accommodation.

- SOS Travel, United Kingdom

Always bring a reusable water bottle for each person. There's nothing worse than being on a hike or walking through a new city and finding yourself without water. If you're in a city most restaurants will refill your bottle free of charge!

- Natasha, Canada

Don’t be too rushed when you are traveling, especially with kids. Taking it slow helps you to experience everything going on around you and cuts down on the stress that comes from rushing from place to place. Don’t worry about missing out. Live in the moment and soak it all in.

- Melanie, Thailand

Nothing ruins a vacation like being unable to charge your electronic devices. So make sure to carry a power-cord organizer with you! Cocoon Innovations’ GRID-IT! pouches can accommodate any sort of cord or charger, making them a convenient choice, and they’re remarkably slim.

- Loren, United States

When traveling, don’t forget to take the road less traveled once in awhile. Travel should get you outside your comfort zone so you can learn new things about yourself and who you truly are. Don’t be afraid to take some risks (within reason) and leave room for spontaneity.

- Liana, United States

My boyfriend Lee and I are big fans of overnight buses and trains because you can save the cost of accommodation and you won't waste one of your precious travel days getting somewhere. Just be sure to bring earplugs, an eye mask and a sarong to use as a blanket or pillow!

- Kelly, United Kingdom

Always check the seat pocket to be sure you don’t leave any important items on the plane. I once forgot my passport in the seat pocket, which I needed to get home. Thankfully, I was able to retrieve it. Lesson learned!